NEAR NEIGHBOUR

Northern Advocate, 22 August 1924, Page 5

NEAR NEIGHBOUR

STUDY OF MARS.

VEGETATION THEORY. LISTENING FOE MESSAGES. > (Received 10.25 a.m.) NEW YORK, August 21. Lowell Observatory announces a tremendous growth of two dark areas near the equator of; Mars which a month ago were comparatively faint. These regions were in a remote part of the-planet until recently and -therefore could not be entirely observed, but they have now swung into wider view, presenting graphic evidence of the expansion which has taken place since spring season began in the Martian southern hemisphere. They are faint blue and green and might be an expanse of vegetation.

Scientifically these regions of Mars are known as Mare Cimmerium and Mare Sirenum, named before it was concluded that Mars probably has neither seas nor oceans. The regions are nearly four hundred miles wide and stretch across nearly the entire disc of the planet. They probably comprise a million square miles. Since they were first noted earlier this year the planet's tilting on its axis has brought these regions almost directly under the sun's rays on this earth. This action causes seasonal changes, bringing growth of vegetation and melting of the polar snow caps. Assuming that this is what is occurring on Mars, then the southern polar snows may be slowly disappearing there.

In accordance with a suggestion by the astronomer, Professor Todd, of Amherst, all American radios will listen for messages from Mars-between now and the week-end. Also hundreds of thousands of radio sets throughout America and. England will be silent during five minute periods, starting at Thursday midnight until Saturday at noon. Professor Todd declares: "Without doubt Mars was inhabited iu the part by rational beings, so why not try to stretch hands across the ether? If the Martians even make an attempt to communicate with us now is the logical time to expect it. My scheme cannot do any harm and something really might come of it. ,.

When the air is steady Professor Slipper, photographic expert and astronomer, will capture the planet's appearance on very sensitive photographic plates.—Sun.